Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1887-02-02
Sentenced to Death.
JANITOR TITUS MAKES A DRAMATIC PRO-
HESITATION OF INNOCENCE.

HESITATION OF INNOCENCE.
BELvIDERE, N. j., January 24.-Ex-
Janitor Titus was to-day sentenced to
death for the murder of Tillie Smith at the
Hackettstown Institute on April 8, 1886.
A more disagreeable day one can hardly
imagine but the courtroom was crowded
with an expectant throng Of country folk
before the time set for sentence had arrived.
Chief Justice Beasley and Associate-Jus-
tees De Witt, Campfeld and Beatty occu-
pied the judicial chairs, while the bar was
crowded with attorneys and. others who had
taken prominent part in the prosecution.
Titus was brought from his cell and given
a seat beside his counsel. He was neatly
dressed in black, and appeared wholly un-
moved.
To the usual question-if he had anything
to say why sentence of death should not be
passed, in a firm voice he answered: 81
have" and rising to his feet, said: 'My
counsel have said in my defence all that
can be said, but wish to make one or two
remarks. At my trial l was untitled, men,
tally and physically, to be a witness in my
own behalf. am of a low and respondent
turn of mind at all times and this feeling,
coupled with the close confinement to which
I was subjected, entirely broke me down.
Since my trial, owing to the kind and gen.
erous treatment of the sheriff, have been
much improved. I wish here to protest be-
fore this court and before the world against
the conduct of the jury that tried me. They
falsely convicted me of crime of which ]
declare here and now, in the presence Of
this court and my countrymen, am not
guilty. l most humbly ask the court to
spare my feelings by sentencing me in as
few words as possible. Nothing the court
can say about the crime of which am con-
victed can apply to me, as solemnly re-
peat that am not guilty"
This was spoken dramatically and with
Wild gesticulations. At its close the Chief
Justice said: 'tJames J. Titus, you were
indicted for most foul and brutal murder,
and jury of your peers have found you
guilty. The only pardon you can hope for
is the pardon of your Creator. The only
effect of denying your guilt is to aggravate
your offence, as no one aware of the cir
cumstances and familiar with the evidence
doubts your guilt. The sentence of the
court is that you be returned to the jail
from whence you came, there to remain
you be taken therefrom and hanged by the
neck until you be dead; and may God have
mercy On your SOUL"
Throughout this address Titus retained
his composure, and was apparently the least
concerned person in the room. He at once
seated himself and held an informal recep-
ton of relatives and friends. He is san
guine of getting q new trial through the
medium of the Court of Errors and Ap-
peals, and then thinks he will be acquitted.
Messrs, Shipman & Son and Prosecutor
Smith have agreed to argue the question of
a further appeal before the Chancellor on
Monday next. If the Chancellor SO directs,
the exceptions taken during the trial will
be argued at the next term, commencing
March 8. AS the case has already been be-
fore the Supreme Court it is not likely that
they will interfere. In thas case the Court
of Pardons is the last resort. The Cover
nor can reprieve, but cannot commute the
sentence, and so it is probable that the ex-
ecution will take place on the day fixed, or
one year and six days after the commission
of the crime.